Detachable Cargo Pod Battery Docking for Extended UAV Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face logistical challenges in delivering payloads due to the need for larger batteries and UAS, which increase costs and environmental impact, and require significant resources for both delivery and return trips.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a UAV with a primary battery and a detachable pod equipped with a supplemental battery, connected via an autonomous mounting system, allowing the pod to power the UAV during extended flights and enabling efficient swapping and recharging at docking stations, thereby enhancing flight range and reducing logistical complexities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If larger batteries are used in UAVs to extend flight range, then flight duration is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent parts: a primary battery integrated into the UAV and a supplemental battery integrated into the cargo pod. This allows the flight range to be extended without increasing the weight of the UAV itself, as the supplemental battery is carried in the detachable pod rather than being built into the aircraft structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental battery function is extracted from the UAV and placed into the cargo pod. This separation allows the UAV to maintain its original weight characteristics while still achieving extended range through the external power source that can be attached or detached as needed.
2Duration of action of moving object
If larger batteries are used in UAVs to extend flight range, then flight duration is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into a primary battery (UAV) and supplemental battery (pod), allowing the expensive high-capacity battery to be contained only in the detachable pod rather than being required in every UAV unit. This reduces the manufacturing cost per UAV while still enabling extended range operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo pod is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as cargo containment and as a mobile power station. The supplemental battery in the pod can power not only the cargo management systems but also the UAV's flight motors, creating a universal solution that addresses both cargo delivery and range extension needs without requiring separate systems.
3Duration of action of moving object
If larger batteries are used in UAVs to extend flight range, then flight duration is improved, but environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the battery system into a small primary battery in the UAV and a supplemental battery in the pod, the patent enables extended range flights without requiring a single large high-impact battery in the aircraft. The modular approach allows for more efficient energy utilization and reduced overall environmental footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables recovery and reuse of the supplemental battery power source. After the pod is delivered and its cargo is unloaded, the pod with its supplemental battery can be retrieved and reused for subsequent missions, reducing waste and environmental impact compared to single-use battery systems.
4Reliability
If pod and UAV are permanently connected, then power transfer is reliable, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from static permanent connection to dynamic conditional connection. The electrical connection between pod and UAV is automatically established when the pod is mounted and automatically disconnected when the pod is removed, providing both reliable power transfer during flight and adaptability for pod swapping through automated mechanical and electrical coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous mounting system acts as an intermediary between the pod and UAV, providing controlled mechanical and electrical connection. This intermediary system ensures reliable power transfer when connected while maintaining the ability to disconnect and swap pods, mediating between the conflicting requirements of connection reliability and system adaptability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration significantly increases the UAV's flight range, reduces delivery costs, and minimizes environmental impact by allowing for efficient power management and pod swapping, enabling more effective and cost-efficient aerial delivery operations.
Implementation Method 1
The pod includes a supplemental battery to selectively supply power to the UAV
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a system for enhanced aerial delivery capability. In an embodiment, there is provided a system for enhanced aerial delivery capability. The system includes a UAV having a primary battery to provide power to one or more electrical motors for powered flight. The system includes a pod having a cargo portion to selectively carry a payload, the pod having a supplemental battery to selectively supply power to the UAV. The system includes an autonomous mounting system configured to provide selective and autonomous mechanical connection of the pod with the UAV. The mounting system is configured to provide selective and autonomous electrical connection of the supplemental battery of the pod to the UAV. This configuration selectively powers the one or more electrical motors of the UAV with the stored electrical power from the supplemental battery. Other embodiments are also disclosed.